More pedals and brake woes

This week I made some progress with the clutch pedal. I had to revise my original plan - on closer inspection of the Ford clutch master cylinder, it became clear that a return spring would be necessary. A look at the Sylva Riot build manual confirmed this. In order to do this, I modified the TR7 throttle that I had lying about by cutting it and then incorporating the remaining stub into the pedal. I also began to look at the brake master cylinder carefully. I found that the reservoir fouled on the steering column. I have a Fiat remote reservoir lying around so looked to see if this could be used. I also found the 'brakemath' excel spreadsheet on the internet and used it to ascertain if I would need the pressure reducers used by the Fiesta. Finally, as a result of the results from this spreadsheet, I got round to seeing if the Rover Calipers would fit at the back of the car - unfortunately they don't. This leaves me with a few unanswered questions. Whether to persevere with the Fiesta master cylinder and modify it for a remote reservoir - bearing in mind that it has a bore of .87" and might result in a high pedal force, or whether to search for one from a suitable donor (any suggestions - remote reservoir, .7"ish bore). The final option is to go for a balance bar set up which would probably mean remaking the pedal. Finally I need rear calipers - Sierra are the obvious choice but something from the VW/SEAT/Audi range should fit!!!

Gearchange finally sorted...ish

Today I finally managed to get all the components of the gear change tacked into position. The action is generally fine although I was finding it difficult to get 2nd, 4th and reverse. Investigation revealed that the end of the shift rod was fouling on the joint at the bottom of the gear lever - a few seconds with a file soon sorted that. Once I had fettled that piece, the change was much better although going across the gat is a little sloppy -caused by a little twisting where the rod bolts into the old steering UJ and also by the joint that holds the gear lever rotating - that will be solved with a lock nut or some thread lock. I then resumed work on the pedals. I decided to try cutting down one of the original Rover pedals and using the stub from that to operate the master cylinders. All went well although I should perhaps have drilled a new hole for the clevis before tacking it together!! incidentally, the lightening holes drilled in the pedals are largely for visual effect - about 22p in change in your pocket would counteract any benefit!!!

Stoneleigh shopping

Went on the annual pilgrimage to the National Kit Car show at Stoneleigh over the bank holiday weekend (we REALLY will have something to take next year......). There wasn't a whole lot new there although a MR2 based car caught our eye. However, shopped well - bought some Robin Hood 'economy' cycle wings - not the greatest quality but at £40 for 4 I can cope with a bit of trimming and sanding. Also got some SVC headlamps and some mirrors from Tifosi. Really hope to have time to fit these all soon....